McCrory Sworn In As North Carolina’s 74th Governor

Former Charlotte mayor also witnesses Cabinet, advisers receive oath

From top: Gov. Pat McCrory and his wife, Ann, acknowledge supporters. McCrory, at right, witnesses his Cabinet taking their oaths of office. McCrory, at right, watches his top advisers take their oaths. Finally, McCrory addresses his Cabinet and advisers.

RALEIGH — Pat McCrory became North Carolina's 74th governor Saturday and its first Republican chief executive in 20 years at a swearing-in ceremony at the old House chambers in the state Capitol. The formal inaugural celebration will take place Jan. 12 in downtown Raleigh.

Outgoing Gov. Bev Perdue and her husband Bob Eaves attended, along with more than 100 invited guests.

After receiving the oath of office, McCrory, the former mayor of Charlotte, gave brief remarks to the audience.

"This is quite an honor and privilege," McCrory said. "I first want to thank the governor and her husband, Bob, for just graciousness during this transition. And thank you for your leadership and your public service over the past 20 years." The crowd gave Perdue a standing ovation.

"Our goal was not to get a title. Our goal was to lead and to govern and to serve with a purpose and that's what we're going to begin doing today. We're going to have some tough work ahead of us but we all love our state and we care for the next generation of leaders for our state so they have the same quality of life that we enjoy for so many years. Let us all work together and let us never forget our purpose. May God bless each one of you. I ask for your prayers. I ask for you to pray for Ann and myself and may God continue to bless a great nation and may God continue to bless the state of North Carolina. Thank you very much."

McCrory then walked to the old Senate chambers where he witnessed the swearing-in ceremonies of his Cabinet and top advisers. Supreme Court Justice Paul Newby issued the oath of office to the Cabinet. Justice Mark Martin issued the oath to the governor's advisers.

State Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, issued this statement:

“Gov. McCrory is just the type of leader North Carolina needs — a proven problem solver with a track record of success in both the private and public sectors. I look forward to working with him to further the conservative goal of a lean, efficient government focused on promoting economic growth and encouraging job creation. North Carolinians elected the right man at the right time to continue moving this state toward a brighter future.”

McCrory is the state's third GOP governor since the 19th century, the first since the 19th century to preside over a Republican-led General Assembly, and the first since the state's founding with veto power.

Associate Editor Barry Smith provided reporting for this story. McCrory's remarks were taken from a pool report by Gary Robertson of The Associated Press.